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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Swelling In Ankles And Feet After Undergoing A Neck Surgery?

My father had surgery on a pinched nerve in his neck He is 74 years old and is borderline diabetic. He could hardly walk before the surgery and its been 5 months and the last week his ankles and feet turned a dark red and are very swollen? Is this normal?
Mon, 2 May 2016
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Physical Therapist or Physiotherapist 's  Response
Hi,

thank you for providing the brief history of your father.

A thorough neuromuscular assessment is advised.

As you mentioned your father had surgery of the cervical spine and he is diabetic borderline with age of 74 years, there is nothing to worry with the swelling.

As your father is 74 and not mobile, there will be a reduced venous return which leads to swelling in the lower limbs (Ankle). Also, for this you can keep the leg elevated on the pillow above the level of the heart and the swelling will come down.

You can take suggestion from your neuro about undergoing physical therapy, as with physical therapy the metabolism will improve and normal muscle property will be maintained. Also the venous return and haemodynamics will improve.

Regards
Jay Indravadan Patel
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Physical Therapist or Physiotherapist Jay Indravadan Patel's  Response
hi

thank-you for providing the brief history of you.

A thorough neuromuscular assessment is advised.

since your father has undergone surgery and now under rest, having distal limb swelling is common. Keeping the legs elevated over a pillow above the level of the heart should help reduce swelling.

Also, post discharge undergoing physical therapy will him functionally active.

Regards
Jay Indravadan Patel
I find this answer helpful

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What Causes Swelling In Ankles And Feet After Undergoing A Neck Surgery?

Hi, thank you for providing the brief history of your father. A thorough neuromuscular assessment is advised. As you mentioned your father had surgery of the cervical spine and he is diabetic borderline with age of 74 years, there is nothing to worry with the swelling. As your father is 74 and not mobile, there will be a reduced venous return which leads to swelling in the lower limbs (Ankle). Also, for this you can keep the leg elevated on the pillow above the level of the heart and the swelling will come down. You can take suggestion from your neuro about undergoing physical therapy, as with physical therapy the metabolism will improve and normal muscle property will be maintained. Also the venous return and haemodynamics will improve. Regards Jay Indravadan Patel